Josh Howard: Putting It into Perspective

I received a text message at some point last week which read, "Hey. U hear what Josh Howard said on a youtube video?"

My first thought was, "Not again!" I defended him when he spoke about his need for marijuana—and now this?

This is not an article to bash the guy at all. Josh Howard has been one of my favorite players to watch for some time now. But at this point, I just want to say, "Josh, go sit down!"

I mean, come on now. He has the opportunity of a lifetime playing in the NBA, making millions, and he says he doesn't celebrate the "Star-Spangled Banner" because he is black? What?

I'm black too, but why does he have a problem respecting our nation's anthem, being respectful and just being quiet?

It strikes me as pitiful for him to say this. I support Obama to an extent too, but gaining credibility by stating "Obama 08" is ridiculous. Being representative of your race goes way beyond the "Star-Spangled Banner," supporting the War in Iraq, or any other aspect involving our nation.

As a 20-year-old African-American, I walk in a light knowing that I not only represent myself—I represent my family, and the people who raised me. The first thing my mother tells me when I go into any public arena is, "Do not embarrass me or your family."

That's the code I live by—not by the hardships many blacks may face or have faced. In order to progress, you must  be responsible for those actions.

If Josh Howard had not been recorded saying this, it would not be a problem.  But any professional should never put themselves in a position to be documented as saying any idiotic thing that comes to their head, regardless of how they feel at some point in time.

Josh Howard is a 28-year-old adult. Defending him, bashing him, or hating him should not have to happen, but it does and he should know better than making such irrelevant comments.

He has lost all credibility with millions of fans, sponsors, donors, and maybe even friends and family, simply because he chose to say the most thoughtless thing that came to his head.

And, more importantly, he lost credibility with his boss, the NBA. Anytime his name comes up to represent the NBA in international events, commercials, or projects, his name is thrown out of the conversation and he will be left all by himself.

Maybe he said something to elaborate on why he made the comments but that's yet to surface—anything making sense of these comments, besides the fact that he's black.

As you go through life, you live and learn. However, his comments show that Josh Howard is doing way too much living and not enough learning.